How 'pushback' plays for Bush on Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0828/p02s02-uspo.html

How 'pushback' plays for Bush on Iraq

Administration vows 'no retreat' this week, as casualty count raises concern.

By Linda Feldmann | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

<snip>'A precarious spot'

Indeed, the long term for Bush appears murky, and raises a crucial political question as the 2004 campaign heats up: Can he keep the public with him on Iraq for the long haul? The steady pace of American casualties shows no sign of abating. Sensing Bush's potential vulnerability on Iraq, the Democratic presidential candidates will become only more vocal, analysts say.

And as the Bush administration resists calls for a major course correction - such as sending substantially more US troops to stabilize Iraq or working through the UN to enlarge international participation - the president may face many more "pushback weeks" between now and November of next year.

"He's in a really precarious spot," says Del Ali, a nonpartisan pollster based in suburban Washington. "I think the public has an understanding that it's not going to be overnight regime change. But there are three factors he's got to be aware of that could backfire on him."

Those, Mr. Ali says, are the US economy, the growing casualty count, and the need to present a more specific mechanism for how Iraq becomes a democracy.

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[stoystown]

1. Remember Poopy's slogan!

"Stay the course..."

That did wonders for papa smurf

[dfong63]

2. waist deep in the big muddy,

and the big fool says push on.

[saigon68]

3. HEARD THAT--- WAS THERE

Viet-Nam Redux 1968

Iraq-Nam 2003

LOL the more things change----the more they remain the same.

[cliss]

4. precarious spot

It's becoming more and more obvious that this administration is falling apart before our eyes. They are simply not able to "hold it together" because of a lack of unity, divergent personalities, infighting, etc. Also, this is an administration which is highly sensitive to criticism and questions. That's why they've pushed secrecy to the point of paranoia. They can't take it.

One of the best sites available for really good info on world politics is http://www.stratfor.com. They've been focusing on Iraq for weeks now. They offer a very gloomy assessment for US success in that country.

Right now, Bush is faced with the choice of asking for more money (his choice #1), or swallow his pride and go to the UN and ask for help, and give up control, which will be their demand (his last choice).

My bet: he will try for #1 (more $$$). However, he won't get it because taxpayer backs are to the wall. Give him about 3 more months, and he will be forced to go for the last choice.

Any other ideas?

[MaineDem]

5. Kick - great Monitor article

The CS Monitor has always had excellent reporting!

"I think the public has an understanding that it's not going to be overnight regime change."

I hope they mean in Washington.